St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-11-22
1T WAS MAGNIFICENT.
Robert Downing's Matchless Role
of Spartacus--The Various Play
HouseS-General Notes.

of Spartacus--The Various Play
Houses--General Notes.
The applause at the Grand opera
house last evening was loud and pro-
longed-indeed, it continued for many
minutes after the close of the play, and
only subsidized when Mr.. Downing, in
his character dress of Spartacus, had
reappeared before the curtain and
many times bowed his thanks to his en-
thuSiastic admirers.
Mr.. Downing was a surprise as an
actor, and he can stir an audience as
few have ever done before him. He has
that quality that indicates genius; that
power to make one feel, without which
no one can hope to act. Mr.. DOwning'S
form is massive, but modelled in eXquiS-
tie shape, and he looks the Thracian
every inch. In the first act he enters
dressed as the barbarian in chains,
and in the arena diSpenses with
the beard, ''dOing in Rome as the
Romans do" His conception of the part
is good and he gives evidence of great
promise in other heroic and robust
role. His voice is superb one and his
reading is never married by Overacting
in the heavier scenes. In short Robert
Downing deserves all that has been said
of him. The accessories are all that
could be desired and the prOduc-
ton as a whole is grand. Manager
Mack has kept his promise and the
arena scene is one of the best bits of
realism ever seen here. The Roman
street, the battle of Campagna, with vol
canO of Vesuvius in the distance and
war teut of the Pr@tOr CraSsus were all
gems in the war of scenic art. AprOpOS
of the company: Mr.. DOwning'S COM
pany, carefully selected by his man
ager, Mr.. Mack, include among its peO-
pie such sterling actors as William Har-
ris, Harry Meredith, Samuel &. Dubois,
S. Browne, and actresses like Miss Mat
tie Earle and Stella Rees.
Mr. Harris PhaSariuS was splendid
bit of work, uneven and irregular at
times, but manly and vigOrOus-sO good.
indeed, that the gentleman shared most
literally of the applause of the evening.
Mr.. Meredith made an excellent
Crassus and helped materially the sue
cess of the play. Mr., Dubois-a Shake
spearian scholar of considerable reputa-
ton, by the way-had the stage in
charge, the effect of his work being
plainly apparent to all.
The ladies were, as has been init
SonOna and Miss Rees' Julia being most
praisewOrthy attempts. & 1.-The Gladia-
tor again tonight.
At the Thanksgiving matinee the
curtain will rise at 2:30 p. M. The reg
ular Saturday matinee will also be
given.
Mr.. Downing, last night, was the re-
cipient of a handsome floral tlibute
from Col. John L. West.
The Boston Ideals follow Robert
Downing at the Grand.
Many persons are anxious to see
Robert Downing as Mare Antony in
Julius Caesar"
HENNEPIN AVENUE THEATER.
The first street parade of Wilson d
Rankin'S MINISTRIES yesterday forenoon
prepared the large audience in attend
ance last night for the treat in store for
them. The band is one of the best that
ever accompanied minstrel troupe to
this city, and make a fine appearance
besides giving some firSt-claSS street
music. In the evening the house was
full as it could be and be comfortable
for the auditors, and the cOmicalities of
Wilson and SchOOlcraft kept the audi
ence in roar from the opening to the
| close. Mr.. Wilson is justified in adVer-
Using everything new" as there was
scarcely an old joke INDUCED in from
the opening to the close. Wilson's
humOr is always quaint and original,
but this time the fiOV-Of his effervescent
wit is perfectly Irresistible and justifies
the sObriquet of liking of the MinStrels."
Next in the order of attractions after
| the immense comicalities of Wilson, the
fun and harmony of Leopold and
Burrell should take rank. Every I'M
IL,
extracted, from string of sleigh bells
to glass tumblers, is utilized with equal
facility by these great performers, the
whole mixed with unique absurditieS
which would draw laughter from a
mule. In short the company will take
rank to-day as among the very best
minstrel trOupes travelling, and should,
! as they doubtless will. fill the beautiful
| Hennepin Avenue every night this
week.
AT THE PEOPLES.
The play of "Our Boys at the Peo-
| pies theater draws the largest and the
! best pleased audiences since the open
! ing of the house. Mr.. Barbour as Per-
kyn Middlewick, the retired butter
man, sustained his Well-earned reputa-
! ton as a versatile and painstaking
actor. Mr.. Cope as Sir Godfrey Champ
neys showed good conception Of the
part. Messrs. Shaw and Fernandez
acted well their parts as the sons of Sir
! GeOtfrey and Perkyn Middlewick. Miss
Wellesley as usual captivated the audi
ence in her portrayal of the character of
] Violet MelrOse. Miss Forsyth, Miss
! Clifford and Miss Strong her first APP
pearance) were well received, and in
fact the play is very even and smooth
performance and no doubt will fill the
| house during the week. Tuesday.
Thanksgiving and Saturday matinees
will be given.
| NOTES.